61. When and How Is a Hearing Decision Made?

You should receive a hearing decision within 2 to 4 weeks. Federal law requires timely decisions, 42 USC § 503(a)(1), and under state law reasonable efforts must be made to render a decision within 45 days of the request for hearing. G.L. c. 151A, § 39(b).

The decision must meet the requirements of the Massachusetts Administrative Procedure Act, including that it must be based on "substantial evidence" and free from "error of law." G.L. c. 30A, § 14(7).